When two orphaned
boys and their aunt arrive for Thanksgiving supper at church, retired army
colonel Brett Stanton feels his heart tugged. Despite having her hands full,
young businesswoman Haley Jennings handles her nephews with a smile. Still,
Brett can't get too close to the needy trio. He lost his son and brother to the
uniform, and isn't about to set himself up for loss again. Soon sweet Haley and
the boys remind him of old dreams—and teach him that new dreams provide the
greatest hope for a perfect family Christmas.

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MY THOUGHTS

I know, I know. It's after the holidays, so why am I still reading them? And reviewing them?!?! Well, It's because it's still gets me all warm and fuzzy on the inside and happy to stay up reading it on the outside. When one's under the weather, staying home doing absolutely nada, it really does warm one's soul with a good bowl of chicken soup, and a good book. That is how I spent the latter half of my winter vacation. His Mistletoe Family talks of lost, and opens one's eyes to the lost of a soldier, at least in the eyes of their family. Reading this novel pulls all the emotional strings I have during times of "family gatherings", you know, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter...etc. Every day should be time together and have a family meal. I still remember growing up to dinner at 6:30 PM, all around the dinner table, eating family style. Now, it's hard to "gather the troops". This is a simple and sweet story about lost, but also about family, which doesn't necessarily mean the blood-related type, and what it means to gain in spite of the lost. Ruthy shared with us why she wrote this book, and after reading it, it gives me a new sense of appreciation for His Mistletoe Family.

"Dear Reader:

On Memorial Day in
2010 I stood alongside a tall, strong forty-something soldier. I didn't know
him. He didn't know me. He watched that small home-town parade with grave
intent. On the back side of his military cap were tiny yellow ribbons, marking
two memories in a quiet, private way.

I knew I had to write
a story about him. Whoever he was. That stoic soldier became the basis for
Colonel Brett Stanton, retired, U.S. Army. And those two ribbons became symbols
for Ben and Josiah. Most of us are honored when others emulate us, but when
that example leads loved ones to an early grave, the resulting guilt weighs
heavy, especially at holiday time." (218)

I want to end with a quote in the story that is very relevant to all of us any time of the year.

"We live such fast-paced lives today that we forget to sit back. Be still. Breath. Let things unfold....that's why the Psalms talk so much about patience. To wait on the Lord. To stand strong and steadfast. But no one said it would be easy." (31)

Merry Christmas every day.

NOTE: I received this book through a giveaway and a review was NOT required.

TO PURCHASE A COPY

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author of the successful "North
Country" series (Steeple Hill, 2010), Ruthy is delighted to release a new
2011 series with the great crew of Love Inspired. Married for thirty-six years
to a very patient man, she's taken the characters living in her head and given
them homes on paper, much to everyone's relief! Using her strong belief
in God's redeeming love, she's unafraid to tackle tough subjects with humor,
pathos, grace and remorse. And chocolate, of course.CONNECT WITH RUTHY:website, facebook, twitter